560 Maddening (1/2)

”Haha…” He shook his head with a forced disbelieving laugh. ”A-are you out of your mind?!” he asked. He couldn't help but tense up because he knew this woman. She was the type of a girl who would do everything and anything to achieve her goal, and she does it in a way that made her look like there was no task beneath her and no amount of adversity could deter her.

When Kelly just gave him a steady stare that was evidence of her seriousness, Chris raked his lean hand roughly through his blond hair. The rings in his lean fingers and the black stud in his one ear, which suited him, glimmered.

”I know your situation Chris,” Kelly said calmly. Chris bit his lower lip as he looked away, but he didn't look offended that Kelly knew about his dilemma. He knew that the Youngs would know about his secret because of their connection to his grandmother.

”This will be beneficial for both of us,” Kelly added, her voice and expression remained pure business-like.

”W-why would I marry an amazon like you? I am a successful superstar! I know I am depressed sometimes and heartbroken but definitely not suicidal, Kelly!” he argued as he sighed and faced her.

”Oh, c'mon, dude. As I said, this will be a marriage of convenience. No one will ever know that we got married aside from the two of us, my parents, and your grandmother. After months or a year, we'll file a divorce and settle it as quietly as possible.”

”God, no, Kelly. Don't tempt me.” Chris groaned. He knew there was no better choice for him than this. If it's this woman, he would no longer need to worry about many things that could go wrong. He knew that the Youngs would never let anything to damn their oh-so-clean reputation. If it's Kelly, he was confident that there wouldn't be any scandal that would ruin his career. But still… Kelly? Is he going to marry this woman of all people in this world?

Chris shook his head again and ran his fingers through his hair. ”I think I better go hunt for a girl too. Anyone can do except you, Miss Kelly.”

”Ha!” Kelly gave him a mocking snort.

”There're countless girls who're dying to marry me even if it's only a fake union!” he retorted.

Finally, Kelly rose from her seat. ”You, idiot,” she glared at him. ”None of those girls is powerful enough to control the media. Only I can do that.”

Chris was immediately silenced.

”Ugh! Fine!” Chris's shoulders dropped. He hated to admit it, but Kelly was right. In fact, he knew this was an opportunity he knew he would regret if he let slip away from his grasp. ”But wait. At least give me a day or two to think about this, will you?”

”I'll give you a day, Christian. Remember, you'll be damned if you refuse my offer. And just for you to know, unlike you, I have other choices.”

”Then, why did you come to me first?”

”Well, because you're probably the only one who doesn't see me as a woman out of all the men on my list…” Kelly smirked at him. ”If it's you, it'll be less troublesome,” she concluded and walked towards the door. ”I'll wait until tomorrow.”

Once Kelly was gone, Chris let out a deep sigh.

…

That night, Kelly arrived at Abi and Alex's house. Kelly told Abi about Chris, and the two spoke for a long time before they went to bed.

At midnight, Alex silently climbed off the bed. He donned his robe and bent to kiss his wife's forehead before he walked out of the room. Alex headed to the spacious terrace and leaned his elbows on the intricately designed railing.

A cold breeze blew his messy hair as he peered towards his side without moving. The man he's waiting for had just arrived.

”Did your brother reach home?” he asked.

”Yes. He's now in Zeke's custody,” answered Kai. His voice was flat.

Kai looked disheveled, looking like a gorgeous outlaw on the run. Well, he had sped up all the way from the kingdom because of Alex's urgent call.

”You don't look good, Kai,” Alex said as he faced him. ”Is it because of the news you received from Kyle?”